Since the Austrian GP, the race in Austin was the next flashpoint in the brewing rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Brit was often witnessed left without racing room when battling out with the Dutchman. This intrigued FIA steward and former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, who reckoned that the McLaren driver was being too nice to his Red Bull counterpart when racing wheel-to-wheel.

Ever since Lando Norris has looked to be making a charge at Max Verstappen‘s lead in the championship, the former has conceded points to his rival in the standings. Moreover, the story of the US GP falls in line with this trend. At the start of the race, Norris bottled his P1 start and Verstappen, who left him no space on the outside of the track, ran both of them wide which set the precedent for the race.

Subsequently, Johnny Herbert commented on the matter and revealed how the 24-year-old was often too nice to Verstappen when he should be acting fierce as he is in a title fight. Too nice is probably one way of using it. I think it’s probably being not quite aware enough of what was needed to stop Max Verstappen.

I think for me it was just to shut the door. Then let him try and work a way around you, but why leave that gap open? Johnny Herbert said (via GPBlog)On the other hand, such statements are not new for Norris as he has been often criticized for not being a strong rival on the track.

Consequently, for him, this aided Verstappen to extend his lead in the drivers’ championship and seems to be quite a far way off to seriously mount a title challenge. RELATEDGuenther Steiner deems Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’ 2021 Abu Dhabi GP finale as ‘most legendary moment’ in F1Johnny Herbert reveals the only way Lando Norris could overcome Max Verstappen in the championshipWith Lanndo Norris being a distant 57 points off from Max Verstappen, McLaren would be scratching their heads to get their driver back in the position to challenge for the title. Johnny Herbert has suggested a way Norris could win the title.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)Herbert elaborated that Norris could win his maiden championship this year only with the help of rival teams. If Ferrari continues its strong performance and McLaren recovers from its bad weekend in Austin, then Norris may have a shot at the title. They’re going to be in the mix.

they’re going to take points probably more so off of Max. That’s what Lando needs. He needs a little bit of help from the others to take those points away from them.

Johnny Herbert said (via GrandPrix247)RELATEDHelmut Marko deems Liam Lawson as ‘man of the future’ following ultra-impressive P9 finish at US GPHowever, there are too many variables for Norris to become the world champion. Thus, Verstappen remains the favorite for the 2024 driver’s title, as claimed by another former world champion.